Take Care of Pitta

Oh my, it’s hot. In fact, we are heading into the longest hot streak since 2011. This is a great reminder that we are firmly in the grips of Pitta season, a designation that comes from Ayurveda. Pitta is made up of the elements of fire and water and we experience it in the hot, humid weather of Oklahoma. Even if you can’t spend the next three months lounging by a pool, there are things you can do to take care of pitta.

Wear shades of white, light blue and green. Bring these colors into your environment too through art and visualizing meadows and flowers. Cooling gemstones include moonstone, emerald, jade, peridot, blue sapphire and amethyst.

Exercise during the coolest part of the day and avoid direct sunlight for too long. Better yet, walk outside under the light of the moon.

Cultivate calm by letting go of anger and frustration, replacing judgment with compassion, getting outside to enjoy Nature, releasing control, loosening up on rigid to-do lists, forgiving others and yourself, and being more spontaneous.

Practice aromatherapy by placing some of these essential oils in a diffuser or putting a drop on a cotton ball or pad you can smell throughout the day: clary sage, gardenia, honeysuckle, jasmine, lavender, lemon, lemongrass, lime, lotus, peppermint, sandalwood, or vetiver.

Eat these cooling foods: basmati rice, couscous, all sweet fruits and vegetables, small amounts of beans, coconut water, sunflower seeds, peeled almonds, fruit and vegetable juices. Best herbal teas for Pitta are chamomile, dandelion, fennel, coriander, licorice and peppermint. Best cooling spices are basil, turmeric, cardamom, cilantro, coriander, fennel and mint.

Eat berries! It’s a superfood to enjoy in abundance all summer long.